System and method for measuring grain cart weight

ABSTRACT

A system of detecting loading and unloading of mobile containers such as grain carts utilizes two low pass filters to determine whether the contents of the container are changing by subtracting one filter signal from the other, and using the sign of the difference. Weighing performance is improved by utilizing accelerometers to compensate for measurement dynamics and non-level orientation. Failure and degradation of weight sensors is detected by testing sensor half bridges. Loading and unloading weights can be tied to specific vehicles by utilizing RF beacons.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation under 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b) of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/728,593 filed Dec. 27, 2019, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/961,215 filed Apr.24, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,545,046, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/542,572 filed Nov. 15, 2014, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,983,048, which claims the benefit of the filing date under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/904,564,filed Nov. 15, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to weighing dynamic loads and, morespecifically, to apparatus and method for weighing grain cart loads.

BACKGROUND

FIGS. 1A and 1B are drawings that show a combine 20 loading grain 22from a field of grain 23 into a grain cart 10. FIG. 2 is a drawingshowing a grain cart 10 with a grain truck 24. Grain carts 10 arelarge-capacity pull-type trailers with a container 12 for grain 22, abuilt-in discharge auger 18, and capacities currently as high as 2,000bushels. A tractor 13 with grain cart 10 typically shuttles grain 22from a combine 20 in a field to a grain truck 24 located at the edge ofthe field. The grain carts 10 are typically loaded by or from a combine20, and then unloaded into a truck 24, with combines 20 and trucks 24typically utilized with one or more grain carts 10 to harvest fields ofgrain. The use of grain carts dramatically increases harvest efficiency,allowing combines 20 to operate nearly continuously with no need to stopto unload, especially since grain carts 10 can be loaded from combines20 while the combines and the grain cart they are loading move acrossthe field together in a synchronized manner. While the grain cart 10 isaway from the combine 20, the combine may continue to harvest the field,relying on its built-in hopper or grain container to buffer theharvested grain. After unloading to a waiting truck 24, the grain cart10 can then head back to receive grain from a (not necessarily the same)combine 20.

Early adopters experimented with cart-based weighing systems, whichquickly became standard equipment currently on roughly 80% of graincarts built in-factory. Weighing systems for grain carts allow thetracking of yields, and help ensure that operators can accurately fillthe truck to capacity with little risk of incurring fines for overweightloads. Grain carts make the use of combines more efficient; weighingsystems can help make the whole process more efficient.

Grain cart weighing systems currently comprise two parts: weightsensors, and electronics that weigh the load and present information tothe user—often called “indicators”. Currently, weight sensors aretypically either load cells or weigh bars. Typically, a plurality ofweight sensors is utilized for each cart. In one typical configuration,there is one weight sensor for each wheel and one for the tow bar orhitch. In another typical configuration, there is a plurality of weightsensors spread out around the grain cart container. Systems offered bymarket incumbents provide a monolithic measurement and display terminaltypically situated in the tractor's cab with wires that connect back tothe grain cart weight sensors, which may have been combined through apassive junction box. In their simplest form, standard weigh scalefunctions are provided including: zero; tare; and net/gross toggle.Advanced systems provide grain management functions allowing harvestingdetails to be captured as transactions.

However, while conventional methods and technologies have gainedsignificant market acceptance, it has been noted that there are numerousissues with the current state of the art. Some of the recognizedproblems are as follows:

Measurement Dynamics. While on-board weighing systems can generallyprovide accurate static measurements on level ground, weightmeasurements can be compromised by forces that originate either on-cart(auger operation) or from accelerations due to drops and impacts withobstacles on uneven terrain. The degree of measurement contaminationrelates to the specific terrain, cart resonances, and vehiclevelocity—higher speeds having a more significant adverse impact onaccuracy. FIG. 3 is a graph that illustrates the measurement dynamicsthat may be experienced while traversing a rough field, whichcontaminate the accuracy of the measured payload weight. This chart isan example of how measured weight can bounce around as a grain cartmoves across a field. Weight sensors measure force, which relates tomass and any applied accelerations including that of gravity and thoseof vehicle dynamics encountered when a cart traverses uneven ground.When a bump results in an upward acceleration the weight sensors see anincreased force, and when downward, a decreased force. This is true evenif it were possible to maintain the alignment of the weight sensortoward the center of the earth. Even while stopped, uneven ground canresult in inaccurate weight measurement, since the axis of sensitivityof the weighing sensor becomes misaligned with the gravity vector. Thistypically results in only a fraction of the load being measured by theweighing sensor, since the acceleration or force vector is no longer injust the direction of the axis of sensitivity of the weight sensor, butmay include components in other directions.

Transaction Logging. While entry-level indicators provide basic weighingfunctionality, full-featured systems allow capture of weight transferdata (transactions) from cart to truck. Some offer automatic unloaddetection to ensure that harvest data is complete and not subject topotential operator error due to the monotony and exhaustion suffered bycart operators.

Generally, unloading the cart (loading the truck) is done while stoppedor at very low speeds, so dynamics are kept to a minimum allowinghigh-quality measurement; however, often the critical start and stopphases involve rapid cart acceleration or deceleration to and from thecombine for purposes of time efficiency; this usually results invibrations seen by the weight sensors. This is also true for the loadingprocess. Such dynamics, and those experienced when shuttling acrossrough terrain, make the ostensibly simple process of automaticallyrecording the weights when they start and stop changing during anunloading or loading process much more difficult. In fact, the processis sufficiently difficult that some manufacturers avoid monitoringweight for this purpose altogether, and instead monitor the equipmentthat drives the grain transfer auger in order to gate the unloadingprocess; this of course does not help in determination of the loadingprocess. Prior to the present invention, there was no system ormethodology available that accurately determined the starting andstopping of loading and/or unloading of such carts in real-worldenvironments without the use of additional sensors to monitor the graintransfer equipment.

Operations Tracking. Lack of identification of the harvesting equipment(combine and truck) involved in grain transactions limits the usefulnessof the collected management information. Although a grain cart operatorcould record such information manually, operator error due to themonotony and exhaustion suffered by cart operators leaves manuallycollected data unreliable.

No telemetric operational coordination currently exists between graincart and combine. The efficiency of harvest operations could beincreased through reception (or prediction) of combine fill-level andlocation for display to the grain cart operator.

Pre-emptive Weigh Bridge Failure Detection. Quality on-cart grainweighing is predicated on having functional weight sensors, such asweigh bars. Over time, these devices can fail by delamination of theinternal strain gauges, vibrational stresses harming internal wiring, orby physical damage to the bar or external wiring. The damage can occurslowly or abruptly depending on the failure mode, but in all casesultimately affects the weighing performance. The operator maymisdiagnose slow or even the catastrophic failures, and compensate forresulting measurement drifts or offsets by re-zeroing the scaleindicator. Such remedies can result in weight inaccuracies and erroneousfarm management data. If pre-emptively and properly diagnosed, defectivesensors and wiring can be replaced before they impact production.However, there is no automated system or methodology available to detectand isolate this problem.

Display Location Diversity. Although a scale display terminal is usefulin both the loading (from combine) and unloading (to truck) phases, asingle display cannot be positioned so that it may be viewed practicallyin both phases because the operator faces in opposing directions due tothe relative locations of combine and truck during loading andunloading. Currently, either two displays are required, which iscomplicated and costly, or the operator must split his attention betweenthe display and the grain transfer itself, which is error prone andinefficient.

What is needed, therefore, is a method or methods that can address theabove identified problems in the current state of the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This patent discloses and claims a useful, novel, and unobviousinvention for improved weighing and related operational and datamanagement functionality in the farm vehicle field.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, weight andsimultaneous three-axis accelerometer measurements are used tocompensate for at least some of the effect of non-level or roughterrain.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a methodautomatically detects weights of grain transactions by differencing theweight signal as processed by two parallel low pass filters, each withdifferent pass characteristics.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method ofequipment usage tracking involves the use of beacons and signal strengthdetection as an indicator of proximity and therefore equipmentidentification.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method forestimating a combine's current fill level involves tracking combineperformance using load weight per unit time and per unit area harvested.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method ispresented for electrically testing weigh bars installed on a grain cart.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a method forenhancing display location diversity involves automatically reversingthe displayed image when unloading, and reflecting and restoring theimage using a mirror located conveniently for the operator.

A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present inventionis given in the following. It is to be understood, however, that theinvention is not to be construed as being limited to these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are drawings that show a combine 20 loading grain 22into a grain cart 10;

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a grain cart 10 with a grain truck 24;

FIG. 3 is a graph that illustrates the measurement dynamics that may beexperienced while traversing a rough field;

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a grain cart 10 with weight sensors 14installed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a drawing similar to the drawing shown in FIG. 3, with a linefit to the data points utilizing least-squares;

FIG. 6 is a graph that shows the original and filtered signals at thetransition into an unload event;

FIG. 7 is a drawing that shows an exemplary signal chain of the“unloading” detection process, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8A is a diagram that shows a standard weighbridge;

FIG. 8B is a diagram that shows diagnostic circuitry on a half bridge,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 9A and 9B are drawings that illustrate a tablet showingloading/unloading information. FIG. 9A shows the tablet normally, andFIG. 9B shows the tablet reversed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention differs from solutions offered by others as itdoes not have a monolithic topology, but instead uses a mobile device asthe display terminal, user interface, and processing engine, and whichconnects wirelessly to electronics located on a grain cart. The signalsfrom weight sensors are combined through use of a junction box; theresulting signal is then forwarded to the electronics for measurement,conversion, and transmission to the mobile device. Leveraging mobiledevices in the present invention reduces product cost, increasesprocessing capacity, and provides advanced data connectivity andnavigational capabilities, while enhancing customer familiarity and thusmarket acceptance. This topology is shown in FIG. 4.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the appended drawings.

Measurement Dynamics. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention caninclude techniques to assist with achieving improved weight and massmeasurements as described below, using accelerometer-compensated massmeasurement.

Effects of non-level orientation and in-motion vibration can be reducedfrom mass measurements by compensating weight measurements withsimultaneous accelerometer measurements, given matching bandwidths. Oneexemplary embodiment uses STmicroelectronics LIS3DH three-axisaccelerometer integrated circuits as part of a printed circuit board,with one three-axis accelerometer mounted preferably near each of theweight sensors.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a grain cart 10 with weight sensors 14installed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The signals from each of the weight sensors are received byinterface electronics with on-board three-axis accelerometer 16. Theinterface electronics 16 perform signal measurement, conversion, andtransmission of the signals to a mobile device that may be located inthe tractor 13 towing the grain cart 10. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is utilized to transmitthe signals wirelessly. Other transmission means are also within thescope of the present invention. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the mobile device 17 receiving the signals is a tablet, suchas an iPad. Other mobile devices 17 are also within the scope of thepresent invention. Moreover, while the device 17 typically utilized inthe cab of the tractor 13 is mobile, it can also be permanentlyinstalled. Moreover, it can relay the information received, and theresults of calculations and computations performed to other deviceswirelessly or with a wired connection at a future time, for example, atthe end of the work day.

Newton's law of motion is applied as follows in a preferred embodiment:

F=m*a  (1)

where “m” is the total mass of payload and carrier; “F” is the totalinstantaneous force of the payload and carrier weights as seen by theweight sensors; and “a” is the instantaneous acceleration projectedalong the axis of measurement of the weight sensors

Two exemplary methods are shown below sharing various commonalities.Common to both exemplary methods are sensor mounting, determination ofreference gravity vector, and projection of the instantaneousacceleration measurements along the reference gravity vector.

Sensor Mounting: Sensors are to be mounted as follows in the exemplarymethods:

(1) Mount each single-axis weight sensor so that it is most sensitive inthe downward direction (toward the center of the Earth) while the cartis stationary and on level ground. Other configurations are also withinthe scope of the present invention. However, this configuration ispreferred, since it easily allows a reference acceleration vector thataligns with the axis of sensitivity of the weighing sensors to berecorded when stopped on level ground.(2) Mount one or more three-axis accelerometers in a convenientorientation on the cart. In a preferred embodiment, one accelerometer ismounted coincident with each weight sensor, and a correction ispreferably performed on the data from each weight and accelerometersensor pair. Other configurations are also within the scope of thepresent invention.

Determination of Reference Gravity Vector: Measure and record a vectorof the static acceleration due to gravity while stationary and on levelground.

Projection of Accelerations along the axis of measurement of the weightsensors: Accelerations projected along the axis of measurement of theweight sensor(s) (a) can be determined by performing the scalar product(dot product) of the measured acceleration and the reference gravityvector, which aligns with the axis of measurement of the weight sensorsdue to the mounting method described above, and then dividing by themagnitude of the reference gravity vector.

In the first exemplary method, Equation 1 can be rearranged to yieldmass as follows:

m=F/a  (2)

The total force (F) is measured with respect to the weight offset (themeasured value seen under free fall). The weight offset occurs at thepoint of zero acceleration, and represents offsets in the measurementapparatus including those of the weigh bars, amplifiers, and dataconverters. The total force (F) can thus be expanded to reflect the rawmeasured force (F_(MEAS)) and weight offset (k) as follows:

m=(F _(MEAS) −k)/a  (3)

While it is impractical to measure the weight offset directly, a methodis disclosed to find it as follows:1) While traveling with constant mass over rough terrain, record weight(F_(MEAS)) and acceleration data pairs.2) Compute the projections of the acceleration data on the axis ofmeasurement of the weight sensors.3) Estimate the weight offset (k) by computing the y-intercept of theleast-squares line estimate of weight (F_(MEAS)) and projectedaccelerations (see FIG. 5).FIG. 5 is a drawing similar to the drawing shown in FIG. 3, with a linefit to the data points utilizing least-squares. Once the weight offset(k) is known, the total mass (or weight under constant and knownacceleration) can be determined by the following:1) Measure the instantaneous weight (F_(MEAS)) and acceleration (a) datapair.2) Compute the projection of the acceleration on the axis of measurementof the weight sensors.3) Compute the total mass (m) using equation 3.

A second method requires no regression. Instead, two weight (F_(MEAS))and acceleration (a) data pairs can be measured while traveling withconstant mass, and the accelerations projected along the axis ofmeasurement of the weight sensors (a). This provides two simultaneousequations and two unknowns based on Equation 3, thus allowing a solutionfor constant “k” using linear algebra techniques as follows:

k=(F _(MEAS1) *a2−F _(MEAS2) *a ₁)/(a ₂ −a ₁)  (4)

The weight offset (k) that is determined can be low-pass filtered oversubsequent measurements to reduce the noise bandwidth. The filter'scorner frequency can be set quite low, since “k” does not vary whilemass is constant. By applying techniques to automatically determine whenthe mass is changing, as discussed in subsequent sections, the inputdata may be gated to ensure that the mass remains constant. Once theweight offset (k) has been determined to be sufficiently wellcharacterized (it no longer changes significantly), the total mass (orweight under constant and known acceleration) can be determined usingEquation 3.

With either exemplary method, the bandwidths of the weight andacceleration sensors should preferably be matched and the sampling timeshould be synchronized. In the exemplary embodiment, evaluation of theabove equations is performed within a processor of the electronics inorder to coordinate the measurements and reduce the needed radiobandwidth. The compensated measurements may then be forwarded to themobile device in the tractor cab.

Automatic Transaction Detection. Exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention can include a technique to automatically detect weights ofgrain transactions (cart loads and unloads). It differences the weightsignal as processed by two parallel low pass filters, each withdifferent pass characteristics—one high bandwidth, one low bandwidth.The high bandwidth path improves signal to noise ratio by limitingbandwidth while impacting delay minimally. The low bandwidth pathfurther improves signal to noise ratio while adding significant delay.

FIG. 6 is a graph that shows the original signal 30 and the highbandwidth 32 and low bandwidth 34 filtered signals at the transitionbetween the regions of constant mass 36 and constant unloading 37 for anunload event.

FIG. 7 is a drawing that shows an exemplary signal chain of the“unloading” detection process, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The “loading” detection process is similar withopposite threshold and hold polarities.

During periods of constant weight (neither loading nor unloading), onaverage, the difference (C) of high (D) and low (A) bandwidth signalsremains zero with frequent toggles between positive and negative.However, in the case of continuous loading or unloading, the filterdelay between the two paths causes the difference signal to bepredominantly or even entirely of one sign—in this embodiment positive(loading), or negative (unloading). The signal is nominally thedifference in filter delay multiplied by the rate of loading orunloading. By using filters with a linear phase response, as candesigned by a person of ordinary skill in the art using finite impulseresponse (FIR) techniques, the associated filter delays are fixed andknown, as is the delay between filters. The “difference” signal remainsentirely positive (in this embodiment) when loading is sufficiently fast(or negative if unloading), or the noise is sufficiently low. Thisexemplary embodiment uses moving average filters of length 16 and 7 forthe low and high bandwidth filters, and a sample rate of one (1) Hz.Other filter designs and configurations are also within the scope of thepresent invention.

A measurement is performed to determine the instantaneous noise level(B) of the weight signal; the exemplary method computes the standarddeviation over a moving window of, for example, length 7. A noisethreshold (G) is dynamically computed as the greater of the MINIMUM_LOADparameter (1000 lb typical of the exemplary method) and the product ofthe noise measurement and a fixed scalar constant, such as six (6) asused in the exemplary method.

The exemplary method latches and holds a start noise threshold (H) fromthe noise threshold (G) each time difference signal (C) goes negative(weight begins to fall). It also then latches and holds a candidatestart weight (F) from the low bandwidth filter (A) provided thatSTART_CANDIDATE_ACCEPTED is not yet true. While difference signal (C)remains low (unloading), the transactional weight difference (E) betweenthe high bandwidth signal (D) and the candidate start weight (F) maypass a gate for comparison with the start noise threshold (H). If thetransactional weight (E) exceeds the threshold (H) while point C remainslow, the candidate start weight (F) is accepted and held for theremainder of the transaction (START_CANDIDATE_ACCEPTED becomes true).If, instead, difference signal (C) goes positive before the threshold isexceeded, the candidate start weight hold is released and the systemresumes searching for a candidate start weight. Note that wheneverdifference signal (C) goes positive the start noise threshold hold isreleased, and the current noise threshold then passes. Once accepted,the transactional weight (E) continues to rise until difference signal(C) goes positive (weight stops falling), at which point thetransactional weight is latched (I) and compared with the current noisethreshold subject to the MINIMUM_LOAD parameter. If the latched weightexceeds the threshold, the TRANSACTION_COMPLETE flag is set, and thesystem may be then readied for subsequent transactions when theRESET_TRANSACTION line is pulsed high, which relinquishes control of thecapturing of candidate start weights back to difference signal (C). Ifthe weight falls short of the threshold, the system automaticallyrestarts.

In the exemplary embodiment, the processing for this method is executedwithin a mobile device. This is exemplary, and other configurations arealso within the scope of the present invention.

Automatic Operations Tracking. Exemplary methods of the presentinvention may include techniques to aid in tracking and auditing fieldoperations as described below.

Automatic Equipment Determination. For the purpose of automatingtracking and auditing, an exemplary method for automatically determiningthe particular equipment used in an operation is disclosed herein (fornon-limiting example, a combine, truck, or trailer). According to thisexemplary method, a wireless beacon device is placed on each piece ofequipment, a receiver is located at or near the operator, and the systemautomatically selects from a list of allowed equipment types (fornon-limiting example: combines or perhaps trucks) the equipmentassociated with the beacon of highest signal strength as the equipmentused in an operation.

For a non-limiting example, while loading in the field, the combinecurrently loading the cart can be detected as closest and thus assignedto the transaction. Similarly while unloading, a truck receiving thegrain can be detected as the closest truck and thus assigned to thetransaction. Combined with the time, location, and event details (forexample transactional weight) a detailed audit trail can be provided forfield operations.

In another non-limiting example a list of detected equipment could bepresented to the user and a selection by the user could be used todetermine the equipment used in the operation. Before being presented tothe user this list could be further limited to detected equipment wherethe associated beacon signal strength exceeds a threshold. This may beuseful in cases where equipment are in close proximity such as whenmultiple trucks are waiting to be loaded with grain. In the case whereonly a single equipment has a beacon signal exceeding the threshold thatequipment could be automatically determined as the equipment used in theoperation.

The exemplary method uses stand-alone Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)beacons, such as those currently available from Gelo Inc., mounted toeach piece of equipment, and configured to periodically provide itsidentity. A mobile device mounted in the tractor cab monitors theannouncements (e.g. Bluetooth “advertisements”) and processes the eventsin the manner disclosed in order to determine the nearest equipment.Other embodiments could include using an additional mobile device,acting as a beacon, mounted in the cab of the equipment being monitored(the truck or combine cab for non-limiting example). This is exemplary,and other configurations and implementations are also within the scopeof the present invention.

Estimation of Combine Fill Level. Another exemplary method is used toestimate the combine's current fill level while harvesting in order tofacilitate operations in the field. By tracking the performance of theeach combine (load weight per unit time), the method can predict combinefill level using linear extrapolation as follows:

{circumflex over (F)}(t)=ΣF _(LOAD) /Δt _(LOAD) *t  (5)

Where {circumflex over (F)} is the estimate of combine fill weight withtime (t) since the last load; ΣF_(LOAD) is the accumulated weight of theN most recent loads; and Δt_(LOAD) is the time between the most recentload and the one preceding the N^(th) last load.

This exemplary method uses a value of one (1) for the window size (N).This exemplary method uses the processor of the mobile device to processweights of loads and the time between such in order that it estimate thecombine's current fill level. Other configurations are also within thescope of the present invention. This estimate can be improved by insteadusing GPS locations services so that the system tracks combineperformance per unit of field area harvested instead of per unit time.In this case, combine performance is rated as load weight per areaharvested between loads. This method can predict combine fill levelusing linear extrapolation as follows:

{circumflex over (F)}(a)=ΣF _(LOAD) /Δa _(LOAD) *a  (6)

Where {circumflex over (F)} is the estimate of combine fill weight witharea harvested (a) since the last load; ΣF_(LOAD) is the accumulatedweight of the N most recent loads; and Δa_(LOAD) is the area harvestedbetween the most recent load and the one preceding the N^(th) last load.

This exemplary method uses a value of one (1) for the window size (N).This exemplary method computes the area harvested as the line-integralof the path traveled, multiplied by the harvester's header width,subtracting that portion of the swath that overlapped previouslyharvested swaths. The overlap is determined using a high-resolution gridrepresenting the field whereby each harvested grid location gets markedso as to be excluded on subsequent paths. This exemplary method uses agrid size of one foot (1′) squared. Other configurations are also withinthe scope of this invention.

This exemplary method uses the processor of a mobile device in thetractor cab to process weights of loads as measured, along with thecombine's current GPS location as measured and forwarded from a mobiledevice, mounted in the combine cab, over the wireless Internet cellularinfrastructure. This is exemplary, and other configurations are alsowithin the scope of the present invention.

Although this method requires that information be shared between acombine and a cart, connectivity need not be continuous as the systemcan fall back to using time-based prediction during periods when thenetwork is unavailable.

Automatic Weigh Bridge Health Detection. Exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention may include a technique to electrically test the weighbars or load cells while installed on the grain cart.

The technique performs operations to test all four resistors that formthe standard weighbridge arrangement. The technique will also work wheremultiple weigh bars or load cells of a cart are wired in parallel (alllike terminals wired together), so that the measured value for eachweighbridge resistor approximates that of the parallel combination ofall like resistors. This makes the measurement less sensitive by afactor of approximately the total number of weigh bars, and someasurement precision must be sufficient to reveal any anomalies.

FIG. 8A is a diagram that shows a standard weighbridge. FIG. 8B is adiagram that shows diagnostic circuitry on a half bridge, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The analysis preferablysplits the weighbridge symmetrically into left and right halves (seeFIG. 8B). This is possible because the excitation connections aretypically low impedance voltage sources (in the exemplary embodiment,positive and ground voltage rails).

In FIG. 8B, the voltmeter (circle with “V”) of the full bridge (FIG. 8A)has been decomposed into the buffer (BUF) and analog to digitalconverter (ADC) of the half bridge.

The analysis solves for the two half bridge resistors by measuring thevoltage at the midpoint under various conditions and with differentvoltage references. The first step measures the ratio of the voltagedivider formed by the two resistors while the current source isdisabled. This is done using the excitation voltage (V_(CC) and Ground)as the reference for the ADC. The next step uses a fixed voltagereference (often available internal to the ADC) and the ADC to measurethe voltage at the midpoint of the half bridge while the current sourceis disconnected. This step is repeated with the current sourceconnected.

Using network analysis techniques, the value of the top resistor canthen be found as follows:

R _(BOP)=(V _(MID2) −V _(MID1))/(I*(1−RATIO)  (7)

Where R_(TOP) is the resistance of the top resistor; V_(MID1) andV_(MID2) are the voltages measured at the midpoint of the half bridgewith the switch open and closed respectively; I is the value of theconstant current source; and RATIO is the measured ratio of the midpointvoltage with respect to the excitation voltage, with no current source.

Similarly, the value of the bottom resistor can be found as follows:

R _(BOT)=(V _(MID2) −V _(MID1))/(I*(I−RATIO))  (8)

Where V_(MID1), V_(MID2), I, and RATIO are defined previously, andR_(BOT) is the resistance of the bottom resistor. In this exemplaryembodiment, the processor of the electronics can perform the healthmeasurements as directed by a mobile device in the tractor cab. Otherconfigurations are also within the scope of the present invention.

Exemplary embodiments may also include a method to isolate individualweight sensors that have been combined as would be done through use of ajunction box 15 (see FIG. 4), so that health detection can be performedon individual weight sensors in order to provide more thoroughdiagnostic capability. This embodiment involves replacing the passivejunction box for which the like terminals of all weight sensors arepermanently joined, with instead an active junction box whereby allconnections for each weight sensor can be individually connected to (ordisconnected from) the measurement electronics through use of digitallycontrolled switches, in order to present any possible combination of theweigh bars. In the exemplary embodiment, the measurement electronicscontrol the switches of the active junction box. This is exemplary, andother configurations are also within the scope of the present invention.

This invention provides a number of different alternatives andembodiments. In one embodiment, the invention can be utilized to troubleshoot weight sensors that do not appear to be operating correctly. Pairsof resisters in the half bridges are serially tested, with note beingtaken whenever the results of the testing are problematic. In anotherembodiment, the weight sensors are tested on a routine or somewhatroutine basis. For example, they may be tested on a periodic basis, ormay be tested daily whenever the system is started. Other alternativesare also within the scope of the invention. A controller may send analert when problems are discovered, or flags or codes set indicatingproblems. This allows weight sensors to be repaired or replaced beforethey fail or are inaccurate enough to affect operations. Otherconfigurations and alternate usages are also within the scope of thepresent invention.

Enhanced Display Location Diversity. Exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention may include a method to increase the diversity ofdisplay locations while in operation. A display is located forconvenient viewing in one of the two grain transfer phases (loading orunloading). During the other phase, the operator views the displaythrough a mirror positioned at an angle that is convenient for viewingduring that phase; the mirror reflects an image that is deliberatelyreversed by the display equipment so that it becomes restored throughreflection. Control of the reversing process could be appliedautomatically to reduce the burden on the equipment operator. Fornon-limiting example, reversing control could be linked to the automatictransaction detection method whereby the display is automaticallyreversed while unloading. In this case, the display would be mounted forconvenient viewing during loading (combine to cart), and the mirror usedwhile unloading (cart to truck). The opposite scenario would also bepossible, whereby the mounting locations and reversing control are eachreversed. Other configurations are also within the scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9A is a drawing that illustrates a tablet showing loading/unloadinginformation. FIG. 9B is a drawing showing the same tablet shown in FIG.9B, but reversed. The information shown in these displays is exemplary,and the display of other information and other configurations of thedisplay are also within the scope of the present invention.

A user selectable element (not shown) such as a button or checkbox couldbe present in the user interface allowing the user to manually choosebetween the regular and reversed display. This may be useful for testingpurposes, in the case the automatic detection fails to work, or simpleuser preference.

The device could also be configurable to disable one or more of thedisplay reverse methods. For example, a user may desire to disable theautomatic reverse because it is not useful in their work scenario. Inanother example, a user may desire to disable the user-selectableelement because the automatic reverse meets their needs and they wantmore room on the display. This configurability could be present via anoptions or configuration menu in the user interface. Otherconfigurations and options are also within the scope of the presentinvention.

The present invention is targeted at grain cart applications, but isequally applicable for use with other equipment, such as combines,trucks, planters, air seeders, and seed tenders. These types ofequipment are exemplary, and other types are also within the scope ofthe present invention. In all cases, the invention can improve weighingperformance, data quality, sensor diagnostics, and automates andenhances field operations.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications andvariations can be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Therefore, it is intended that this invention encompass allsuch variations and modifications as fall within the scope of theappended claims.

1. A system for performing diagnostics on a weight sensor installed onfarm equipment and comprising at least a top resistor and a bottomresistor coupled together at a midpoint, the system comprising: a switchcoupled between a current source and the midpoint; and a voltmetercomprising at least an analog to digital converter, the voltmetercoupled with the midpoint; and a controller configured to measure aplurality of voltages at the midpoint by connecting and disconnectingthe switch and determine, based on the plurality of measured voltages, afirst value for the top resistor and a second value for the bottomresistor.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to generate and transmit a message comprising at least one ofthe determined first value or determined second value.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the message is used to identify when the weight sensoris not operating correctly.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is configured to at least measure a ratio of the top resistorand the bottom resistor while the current source is disconnected usingan excitation voltage as a reference for the analog to digitalconverter.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first value of the topresistor is determined as follows:R_TOP=(VMID2−VMID1)/(I*RATIO) wherein R_TOP is a resistance of the topresistor; VMID1 and VMID2 are voltages measured at the midpoint with theswitch open and closed respectively; I is a value of the current source;and RATIO is the measured ratio with respect to the excitation voltage.6. The system of claim 4, wherein the second value of the bottomresistor is determined as follows:R_BOT=(VMID2−VMID1)/(I*(1−RATIO) wherein RBOT is a resistance of thebottom resistor; VMID1 and VMID2 are voltages measured at the midpointwith the switch open and closed respectively; I is a value of thecurrent source; and RATIO is the measured ratio with respect to theexcitation voltage.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller isfurther configured to determine a resistance while the current source isconnected using a fixed voltage as a reference for the analog to digitalconverter.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising an activejunction box that is configured to connect or disconnect connections foreach weight sensor of a plurality of weight sensors including at leastthe weight sensor to or from measurement electronics.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to measure the pluralityof voltages each time the system is started.
 10. A method forelectrically testing a weight sensor installed on farm equipment using adiagnostic circuit, the weight sensor comprising a top resistor and abottom resistor coupled at a midpoint, the diagnostic circuit comprisinga current source, a switch, and an analog to digital converter, theswitch coupled to the current source, the midpoint, and the analog todigital converter, the method comprising: measuring, by a processor, aratio of the top resistor and the bottom resistor while the switch isopen; measuring, by the processor, a first voltage at the midpoint whilethe switch is open; measuring, by the processor, a second voltage at themidpoint while the switch is closed; and calculating, by the processor,values of resistance for the top resistor and the bottom resistor basedat least on the first voltage, the second voltage, the ratio, and avalue of the current source.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising: generating, by the processor, an alert when the values ofresistance are abnormal.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprisingdetermining, by the processor, a resistance while the current source isconnected using a fixed voltage as a reference for the analog to digitalconverter.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein a value of a resistanceof the top resistor is determined as follows:R_TOP=(VMID2−VMID1)/(I*RATIO) wherein R_TOP is the value of a resistanceof the top resistor; VMID1 and VMID2 are voltages measured at themidpoint with the current source disabled and enabled respectively; I isthe value of the current source; and RATIO is the measured ratio. 14.The method of claim 10, wherein a value of a resistance of the bottomresistor is determined as follows:R_BOT=(VMID2−VMID1)/(I*RATIO) wherein RBOT is the value of resistance ofthe bottom resistor; VMID1 and VMID2 are voltages measured at themidpoint with the current source disabled and enabled respectively; I isthe value of the current source; and RATIO is the measured ratio. 15.The method of claim 10, wherein the weight sensor is electrically testeddaily whenever the weight sensor is started.
 16. A method for performingdiagnostics on one or more weight sensors installed on farm equipment,the method comprising: isolating each of the one or more weight sensorsusing an active junction box wherein connections for each of the one ormore weight sensors are individually connected to or disconnected frommeasurement electronics; measuring voltages for a specific weight sensorof the one or more weight sensors under different conditions and withdifferent voltage references; determining based at least on the measuredvoltages, resistance values for resistors in the specific weight sensor;and transmitting the resistance values to a mobile device.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the specific weight sensor comprises aplurality of half bridges each comprising two resistors.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein each half bridge comprises a top resistor and abottom resistor coupled at a midpoint to a diagnostic circuit,diagnostic circuit comprising a current source, a switch, and an analogto digital converter, the switch coupled to the current source, themidpoint, and the analog to digital converter, wherein measuringvoltages comprises: measuring a ratio of the top resistor and bottomresistor using an excitation voltage as a reference for the analog todigital converter; measuring a first voltage at the midpoint while thecurrent source is disconnected; and measuring a second voltage at themidpoint while the current source is connected.
 19. The method of claim18, wherein determining the resistance values for the top resistor andthe bottom resistor is based at least on the first voltage, the secondvoltage, the ratio, and a value of the current source.
 20. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising: generating an alert when the resistancevalues are abnormal; and displaying the alert on the mobile device.